Search

What's In the New Lithium Battery Test Summary Document?

Posted on 7/22/2019 by Roger Marks

Starting January 1, 2020, manufacturers and distributors of lithium cells and batteries (and equipment powered by lithium cells or batteries) must make available a lithium battery testing summary that provides critical safety information about their batteries to downstream shippers and consumers.

The test summary requirement applies to lithium batteries and cells manufactured after June 30, 2003, and equipment powered by those cells and batteries.

As lithium battery regulations have become more complex, shippers need more information about the batteries they ship in order to maintain compliance. The testing summary requirement will also help lithium battery shippers gain confidence that the batteries they offer for transport have been manufactured and tested properly.

Manufacturers and distributors may make the test summary available by posting it on a company website or by preparing a paper document.

Lion offers convenient, effective training for employees who prepare lithium batteries for transport by ground, air, or vessel. Check out the Shipping Lithium Batteries Online Course now.  

What’s Required in the Lithium Battery Test Summary?

The text of the new requirement can be found in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Amendment 1, Part III, sub-section 38.3, paragraph 38.3.5 and includes a list of specific information that must be included on the test summary document.

The information required in the lithium battery test summary document was included in IATA’s updated 2019 Lithium Battery Guidance Document, Revision 1, and is pictured below.



The UN Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods has provided examples of test summary documents prepared by members of the Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA).  

Lastly, the new lithium battery test summary requirement is part of the forthcoming 49 CFR harmonization rulemaking HM 215-O.

Training to Ship Lithium Batteries Big or Small 

Need hazmat training to safely ship lithium batteries by ground, air, or vessel? Lion’s popular Shipping Lithium Batteries Online Course is updated regularly to cover the latest regulations you must know under 49 CFR, the IATA DGR, and the IMDG Code. 

New! Ship excepted lithium batteries by ground, air, or vessel? We’ve got a course just for you! The new Shipping Excepted Lithium Batteries Online Course will help you identify the requirements you must know, without getting bogged down or confused by rules for fully regulated lithium batteries.

Tags: hazmat shipping, lithium batteries, lithium battery test summary, new rules, shipping lithium batteries

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

I tried other environmental training providers, but they were all sub-standard compared to Lion. I will not stray from Lion again!

Sara Sills

Environmental Specialist

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

The exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In-flight hazmat incidents can be disastrous. This guide gives 5 tips for first-time air shippers to consider before offering dangerous goods for transportation on passenger or cargo aircraft.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.